Map shows which Leeds areas were worst hit by Storm Christoph downpour as Leeds Council issues advice

This map shows which areas of Leeds suffered the most rainfall during Storm Christoph.
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The image has been released by Leeds City Council as they reminded the city's residents and businesses about how to prepare for possible flooding in future.

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Flood hit Leeds bar and restaurant owners tell of fears over Storm Christoph

It shows that southern and western parts of the city were worst hit by rain.

Rainfall in Leeds during Storm Christoph (image: MapRain).Rainfall in Leeds during Storm Christoph (image: MapRain).
Rainfall in Leeds during Storm Christoph (image: MapRain).
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Guiseley and Yeadon had the most rainfall, with 65-69mm of rain falling from January 18-21.

Boston Spa and Wetherby had just 35-40mm.

Most of the city managed to avoid serious flooding during last week's storm, though some areas were affected.

But Leeds City Council said that with increased rainfall linked to climate change, it’s likely that flood risk across the UK, including Leeds, will increase over time.

The River Wharfe burst its banks in Otley during Storm Christoph (photo: Karen Weir).The River Wharfe burst its banks in Otley during Storm Christoph (photo: Karen Weir).
The River Wharfe burst its banks in Otley during Storm Christoph (photo: Karen Weir).

There are 5.2 million people at risk of flooding across England, with a recent poll suggesting that only a third of those know they are at risk.

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Knowing what to do in a flood could help keep people safe and save thousands of pounds in damages and disruption.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for environment and active lifestyles, said: “Storm Christoph is an important reminder that flooding is one of the greatest risks facing our communities.

"Flooding can not only destroy homes and businesses but the lasting effects on those affected, such as anxiety and depression, can last a long time after the water has left.

"Being prepared is the best way to mitigate the impact of flooding and there are many small things people can do should the worst happen.

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"The first action is finding out if you are at risk. If you are, please visit our website as there is lots of advice and guidance out there for those that need it.”

Leeds City Council had this advice for how best to plan ahead:

"Checking your property’s flood risk and signing up to free flood alerts from Environment Agency is a good first step to help identity if you are at risk. By registering for flood alerts, you will be notified if river levels in your area are increasing and what you need to do. Check your flood risk here and sign up for flood alerts here.

"Preparing for a flood event is an anxious time so a flood action plan can be a useful checklist when you need to act quickly. This may include packing medicine and insurance documents in an accessible place in case you need to leave your house, turning off gas, water and electricity if you receive a flood warning and looking at the best way to stop water from entering your property. Flood barriers such as sandbags can be bought from DIY stores or you can make your own from tied rubble bags filled with water.

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"If you are at risk, you should consider checking your home insurance will cover the damage that may be caused by flooding. You can get insurance advice around flooding from the National Flood Forum here.

"You may also consider long term protection to your home. This is called Property Flood Resilience and includes measures such as temporary flood barriers, raising plug sockets, mounting radiators above possible water levels and installing flooring which can be easily cleaned. These measures help to reduce the risk of flood damage to your property, speed up recovery and help you move back into your property quicker after flooding.

"The Yorkshire Flood Resilience website has a range of downloadable resources to help you build your property’s resilience."

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